ON THE STREETS OF RWANDA

If you were trying to find the two most different places on earth, you might settle on Carthage, Texas and Kigali, Rwanda. But armed with her deep East Texas charm, Sarah Keeling followed God from Carthage to Kigali for two weeks in 2003. When she said yes to God that summer, she could have never imagined the plans He had for her future. The people of Africa stole her heart and God began to birth dreams of ministry that are still developing. In 2004, Sarah returned to Africa with her former roommate, Heather Clark, for two months. Both young ladies had begun nursing careers in the U.S. and wanted to use their skills to help people in Rwanda. During their visit, they met and ministered to street children, conducted HIV/AIDS education seminars, and assisted in AIDS testing. Their lives would never be the same.

Returning to the States, Sarah and Heather shared their stories every chance they had. Suddenly, they discovered others wanted to be involved in helping the Rwandan people who now had a permanent home in their hearts. After much prayer and consultation, the young women decided to establish a non-profit ministry. Focusing on the hope described in Hebrews 6:19, they named the ministry, “Anchor of Hope”. The outreach was off and running! God has already used Anchor of Hope to provide schooling and food for street children, health education, HIV/AIDS support groups, and more. It is great to hear the stories through email, but an even greater privilege to participate in God’s work personally.

Passports and ministry plans in hand, Sarah, Heather, and Heather’s husband, Josh, headed back to Rwanda in April of this year. During their one-month stay, they hoped to lay more groundwork for the local administration of the ministry, support the flailing HIV testing in local church-run clinic, strengthen existing partnerships, and spend time with the street children they’ve come to love. Accomplishing all of their agenda was challenging, but God opened and closed doors and allowed them to join in His work. In Josh’s words, “It was impossible not to see that God had us there and to see what it is He wanted us to do.”

From an administrative standpoint, they were able to set up a local bank account and accountability system that allows for transferring funds more reliably and cheaply. The administration of the HIV testing was also a focus. Many supplies had been stolen from the clinic and the testing was not being conducted in an efficient way. The team was able to refresh the supplies and organize the testing and finances so that more people can be tested. According to the BBC, over 11% of the population of Rwanda is now living with AIDS, a fact that makes efficient, accurate testing crucial. By coming to the clinic that Anchor of Hope partners with, Rwandans can not only be tested for AIDS, but also receive vital health and spiritual assistance.

The stories of individuals with AIDS are endless, but very personal. One such story is that of eleven-year-old Marcus (not his real name). Marcus was born with AIDS, but not tested until he was nine when Sarah and Heather met him in 2004. He was very sick and unable to attend school until last year. He is now receiving anti-retroviral drugs from another clinic in Kigali. Marcus is now a happy schoolboy, playing with his friends every chance he gets. The team spent a good deal of time with him and shared the Gospel with this special young man. He has not yet come to have a relationship with Christ, but he was receptive and interested. Please pray for him as he experiences the love of the Lord through the HIV/AIDS ministry.

It is not possible to know what amazing ideas and plans God has in store for us when we step out in faith and follow the tuggings He puts on our hearts. One day, later in eternity, Sarah, Heather, and Josh will sit with many Rwandans and talk about how God’s glory was revealed through street kids and AIDS tests for a season in Kigali. What a day that will be!

If you would like more information about Anchor of Hope, visit their website at www.africaanchor.org.

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